The 35-year-old left-back, who left Roma last week by mutual consent, had been strongly linked with the MLS club over the past month and will now join former England teammate Steven Gerrard at the StubHub Center.

Speaking to the Galaxy’s official website, head coach Bruce Arena said: “Ashley is one of the world’s most successful defenders and has played at the highest level of competition throughout his career.

“He can provide our defense with valuable experience. We look forward to his contribution to our club this season.”

Cole made just 16 total appearances for Roma during his 18-month spell in Serie A and failed to feature for the club since last March after falling out of favour following a disappointing start to life at the Stadio Olimpico.

The three-time Premier League winner brings a big name and glittering résumé with him to LA, but he is sure to face questions about some of his past comments about MLS.

Upon joining Roma on a free transfer in the summer of 2014, the veteran defender acknowledged that he had received several offers from the USA after leaving Chelsea at the end of the 2013-14 season but told reporters that he was “not ready to just sit on a beach”.

Freddie Shires

Freddie is a freelance sports writer, having recently completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham. With an especially keen interest in all things American sports-related, he has written extensively about the NFL, MLS and the U.S. national team for various sites.